Bruising is a very common occurrence after bariatric surgery, but it may be surprising. Due to the nature of these procedures and the medications some patients may be on, the severity of the bruising can vary. In this article, we’ll address the common causes of bruising after bariatric surgery, review the factors that affect the variance of this symptom, discuss the type of bariatric surgery and how it influences the severity of the bruising, review signs of concerning bruising, and share care strategies to minimize bruising.
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What causes bruising after bariatric surgery?
Bruising occurs when damage occurs to blood vessels. This causes blood to leak under the skin, resulting in purple discoloration. Bruising is a very normal part of healing, especially from bariatric procedures. However, patients may also experience other symptoms, such as pain after bariatric surgery or even left side pain after bariatric surgery depending on their healing process.
To ensure proper recovery and optimal healing, taking bariatric vitamins is essential. These supplements help address potential nutrient deficiencies and support tissue repair, which can improve bruising recovery time. Patients may also find that bariatric multivitamins or a bariatric multivitamin with iron can be particularly beneficial.
There are a few reasons why bruising after bariatric surgery is common. For one, during these procedures, all of the manipulation of the body tissues can damage blood vessels. Surgical instruments used during these procedures can accidentally brush up against body tissues and blood vessels. This can lead to blood leakage under the skin, looking like bruising. This type of bruising can vary between patients, based on the patient’s traits, the surgeon’s skills, or the type of weight loss procedure.
Additionally, some patients are on anticoagulant medications, like aspirin or warfarin. These drugs reduce the risk of blood clots, a serious complication that can result from bariatric procedures. These patients may experience increased bruising because they have a reduced blood c . Please be sure to alert your healthcare provider of all medications, including over-the-counter supplements. Some may affect blood clotting, like fish oil, vitamin E, and certain herbal remedies. To be safe, always tell your doctor what you are taking.
It’s also very normal to have a wide variance in severity from patient to patient. Individual characteristics like age and skin condition can affect your susceptibility to bruising. For instance, older adults bruise more easily than younger ones. Similarly, individuals with certain medical conditions like diabetes, liver disease, or nutritional deficiencies may experience more pronounced bruising.
Is bruising normal after bariatric surgery?
Bruising can be unsettling. But, it is usually a temporary and expected result of healing. Patients may also report additional symptoms such as chest pain after bariatric surgery during the healing phase.
While it could be alarming, bruising is a very normal symptom to experience after bariatric surgery. This symptom is a typical part of the surgery healing process. Most bruising will resolve on its own within two weeks, with the discoloration fading. However, knowing the normal healing process for bruises can help patients identify typical bruising from signs of complications.
Typical bruising starts as a deep purple or blue hue. Then it gradually fades to yellow or green as the body reabsorbs the blood. Most bruises begin to improve within a week and resolve completely within two weeks, although the recovery time can vary between patients.
To support healing, incorporating bariatric protein shakes and bariatric protein bars into your diet can help. These provide essential nutrients for tissue repair and help maintain energy levels during recovery.
If you experience unusually large, painful, or persistent bruising this could be a sign something more serious is going on. If you experience bruises that spread or do not improve in two weeks, seek medical advice. If you are noticing severe pain at the bruised site or symptoms of infection like redness, warmth, or fever, reach out to a doctor. If you are concerned your bruising may be abnormal, contact your healthcare provider. Prompt medical attention can help catch problems early. It can also prevent complications.
Types of bariatric surgery and their impact on bruising
There are many types of bariatric procedures, but they all have slightly different effects on bruising after surgery. For example, the gastric bypass, or Roux-en-Y, involves significant changes to the digestive system. This can lead to more extensive bruising because of the complexity of the surgery and the fact that they involve greater tissue manipulation. This increases the likelihood and extent of bruising. The areas most affected include the abdomen and incision sites.
Alternatively, adjustable gastric banding is a less invasive procedure, placing a band around the stomach without significant tissue removal. As a result, there is typically minimal bruising seen with this surgery. However, patients may still experience some bruising near the small incision sites used to place the band.
Lastly, even minor procedures, like sleeve gastrectomy, can cause bruising. A sleeve gastrectomy involves removing a portion of the stomach, leaving a tube-shaped sleeve. This can cause bruising around the abdominal area and incision site, but the extent of bruising will vary from patient to patient. Healing rates and skin sensitivity can affect bruise severity.
Signs of concerning bruising or complications
While bruising is a fairly common symptom to experience after bariatric procedures, you should be mindful to make sure that your bruising is not out of the ordinary. If you experience excessive swelling, in addition to your bruising, this could indicate a hematoma. A hematoma is a localized collection of blood outside blood vessels. It can occur when a larger blood vessel is damaged during surgery. Small hematomas often resolve on their own. But larger ones may require medical attention and your doctor should be contacted immediately.
Other potential concerns include fatigue after bariatric surgery and dehydration after bariatric surgery, both of which can complicate recovery. Staying vigilant about these symptoms is critical.
Additionally, if you experience severe or increasing pain of the bruises, reach out to your healthcare provider right away. This could indicate that you have an underlying issue like an infection, nerve damage, or a deep tissue injury.
Be on the lookout for signs of infection as this is a potential complication with any surgery. Symptoms of redness, warmth, pus, or fever in conjunction with bruising may be a sign that your body has an infection. If you are uncertain, it’s best to be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Prompt treatment with antibiotics can prevent the infection from spreading.
Postoperative care strategies to minimize bruising
Proactive steps after bariatric surgery can reduce bruising and speed healing. After surgery, if you want to minimize the amount of bruising you experience, there are a few strategies you can follow.
First, applying a cold compress to the bruised area can reduce the swelling and pain. Do this for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours during the first 2 days after surgery. Cold therapy constricts blood vessels. It slows blood flow to the area and minimizes leakage.
Additionally, it may help to elevate the bruised area above heart level. This will help to decrease blood flow to the area, which will reduce bruising and swelling. For example, if the bruising is on the abdomen, patients can recline with their upper body slightly elevated. This position also aids in overall comfort during the recovery period.
A balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, can help skin health and recovery. Foods high in vitamin C, like citrus fruits, and vitamin K, like leafy greens, can help blood vessels and reduce bruising. Staying well-hydrated also aids in skin elasticity and healing.
Lastly, it may be helpful to engage in gentle physical activity, such as walking. Light activities can promote circulation and can aid in the healing process. Improved blood flow helps the body reabsorb the blood that has pooled under the skin. However, avoid strenous activities as these may exacerbate bruising or delay healing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while bruising after bariatric surgery is a normal part of the healing process, it’s important to understand what’s typical and when to seek medical attention. Bruising can vary in severity depending on factors like the type of surgery, individual health conditions, and medication use. By recognizing the signs of concerning bruising and employing care strategies such as cold compresses, elevation, and gentle activity, you can support your body’s recovery. If you ever feel unsure about the severity or nature of your bruising, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance and reassurance.
What are your tips and tricks to post-bariatric success?